During the event, speeches were delivered by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Budi Gunadi Sadikin; Chair of Academic Senate, Prof. Edy Tri Baskoro, M.Sc., Ph.D.; Rector of ITB, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T.; and the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, Ph.D.

Prof. Brian stated, “ITB has played a crucial role in shaping the nation by producing thinkers, innovators, and leaders who contribute to Indonesia’s advancement.”

He explained that Indonesia is currently on a path toward becoming an advanced industrial nation, breaking free from the middle-income trap. This progress aligns with Asta Cita, the eight national development priority agendas set by the President, one of which focuses on strengthening human resources and research as the key to sustainable economic growth driven by innovation.

"Without high-quality human resources and robust research, we will not achieve industrial independence with global competitiveness," he emphasized.

A stronger research and innovation ecosystem is now essential to drive scientific breakthroughs, disruptive technologies, and tangible solutions for national industries. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is committed to supporting this initiative through various efforts, including diverse research funding sources, academic-industry collaborations, and innovation downstreaming that directly impacts the national economy.

"ITB, as one of Indonesia’s top universities, must take the lead in driving this transformation," he added.

Drawing from his experience, Prof. Brian emphasized that ITB should act as a game changer in advancing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, food security, and smart manufacturing. He also encouraged all attendees to use this Dies Natalis as a turning point to strengthen their commitment to producing outstanding human resources and high-quality research.

"Through close collaboration between universities, academia, industry, and government, I am confident that we can accelerate Indonesia’s transformation into a developed nation, as we all aspire," he concluded.

Reporter: Yohana Aprilianna (Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2021).

Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri (Urban and Regional Planning, 2021)